Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Tokyo Shiomi
    • 9:15 Asakusa
    • 11:15 Ueno Park (Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Benten-do, Hanazono Inari Shrine, Ueno Great Buddha, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Pokemon Manhole, Kuromon)
    • 12:30 Yanaka (Yoshidaya Liquor Store, Yanaka Sakuragi Beer Hall, the street in front of the Asakura Museum of Sculpture)
    • 13:30 Nippori Textile Town
    • 14:20 Akihabara (Fukufuku Trading Card Akihabara Store, At-Home Cafe)
    • 15:00 Disband at Akihabara Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, and Akihabara Body: The guests were a group of three visiting from Oceania. Since they had not decided on a destination, we started after having a planning meeting at the Hotel. In Asakusa, I asked my usual question about what the giboshi (ornamental railing knobs) look like, and one of the guests answered "a woman's chest," which made everyone laugh a lot. After that, every time we saw giboshi at various places, there was more big laughter. I am sure the guests will never forget what giboshi are now. At Sensoji Temple, we were able to see the koi that had turned blue for the first time in a while, and everyone was delighted. I also sometimes play a guessing game about the number of shrines, temples, convenience stores, and dental clinics, and this time there were quite a few questions about dental clinics, and it was interesting to learn the differences between the guests' home region and Japan. They were very cheerful people, and it felt like they were laughing the whole way. In Ueno, they were surprised that Benten Pond was covered with lotus leaves, and everyone enjoyed taking photos of the Pokemon manhole covers. Since I realized they were interested in Pokemon, we stopped by a Pokemon card shop in Akihabara, where they experienced its popularity with amazement. "What, two million yen for one card!" — which led to an emergency photo session as well. After this, one of the guests wanted to go to Yanaka, where old Japanese buildings remain, so we headed there on foot from Ueno. We had been walking quite a lot without a meal up to this point, so I asked if everyone was all right, but they all smiled and cheerfully said "no problem at all," and often even walked ahead of me. They were very curious about the buildings in Uenosakuragi, and decided to have a beer there, and I was treated to a glass as well, even though I am a weak drinker (following a request from the shop staff who said, "Since this is not a cafe, we would like at least three out of four people to order beer"). While we were chatting, I struggled with the question "What is the job of the family member living overseas?", and they took out a phone and said, "If English is difficult, just speak to this in Japanese." I explained, "No, I cannot even figure out how to explain the work in Japanese in the first place, so I cannot do that either," which again brought big laughter. After that I somehow managed to put it into words and resolved it. After leaving the shop, they greatly praised the beer, saying "the beer here is easy to drink and delicious," and I then set off with a very red face and my head not quite working. On the way to Nippori Station, we stopped in front of a traditional Japanese house, and everyone held an appreciation session while chatting about various things. After that, since one of the guests had sewing as a hobby, we went to the textile district in Nippori and stopped by several shops, but because I have no knowledge about fabrics and could not have conversations about which shops to recommend, and perhaps out of consideration for the others, they decided to wrap it up partway and move on. As time was running short, we went to Akihabara, where everyone became interested in maids, and finally enjoyed the atmosphere at a maid cafe in the Akihabara culture zone (without going inside). One of the guests waved at a maid on the street and peeked into the shop to greet the maids, smiling the whole time, and will probably visit tomorrow. For my part, I had a truly wonderful and enjoyable time.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Ueno180JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori～Akihabara170JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Caretta Shiodome

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Caretta Shiodome

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace
    • 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi)
    • 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 14:10 Caretta Shiodome
    • 14:35 Disband at JR Shimbashi Station

    What Can You See on a Private Tour from Tokyo Station to Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan, on the second day of a long trip. Originally we planned to visit Tokyo Station, but since they had already been there the previous day, we changed the plan to Meiji Shrine. Although it was a weekday, they were delighted to be able to see a wedding ceremony taking place. Next we went to the Imperial Palace, where I guided them from Nijubashi Bridge through to Sakuradamon Gate. The National Diet Building was also clearly visible, which made it easy to explain. After that, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Since the guests preferred to sit down and eat rather than eat while walking around, we went to Tsukiji Uogashi. One of the guests enjoyed a mixed fry (horse mackerel, scallop, and shrimp), while another enjoyed a crab cream croquette. Because it is set up as a food court, it is a real strength that everyone can choose different dishes to suit their own tastes. Afterwards, we visited Hamarikyu Gardens. Part of a bridge was under renovation, but the cosmos flowers were in full and beautiful bloom. Since the guests wanted to go somewhere with a nice view, I took them to the 46th floor of Caretta Shiodome, where they enjoyed the panoramic view.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Harajuku320JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakuradamon～Shintomicho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by AYAKA

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

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    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibamata & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibamata & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Courtyard Ginza
    • 9:45 Shibamata (approach road, Taishakuten Temple, Suikeien Garden, Yamamoto-tei House)
    • 11:45 Rikugien Garden
    • 13:10 Disband @ Harajuku Jingu Bridge

    Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Report: Visiting Shibamata, Rikugien Garden, and Harajuku with a Licensed Guide The guests were a young group from North America who arrived the previous night. Before their trip, they had listed Shibamata and Rikugien as places they wanted to visit, so I assumed they were repeat visitors, but it was actually their first time in Japan. They explained that since the first day would be tiring, they had chosen quiet places to visit — a wise decision! On the approach to Taishakuten, we were fortunate to come across a morning soba-making demonstration, which they watched with great interest. At Taishakuten (Daikyoji Temple), the morning service was underway, so we were lucky to be able to hear the sutra chanting. In the sculpture gallery, they were deeply moved by the carvings depicting the Lotus Sutra. They love Japanese gardens and had seen many in North America, but upon seeing the private atmosphere of Suikeien Garden and Yamamoto-tei, as well as Rikugien — an authentic strolling-style landscape garden with an artificial hill and pond — they were so impressed that they murmured, wondering "what on earth" the ones they had seen back home really were. Since we had a little time left, I took them to Harajuku, where I explained Meiji Shrine, the architecture along Omotesando, and Takeshita Street before we parted ways. During the long train rides, the trains were not crowded and we were able to sit, so I explained Japanese history, national character, and language.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Ginza～Shibamata420JPY
    Section 2TrainShibamata～Komagome430JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome～Harajuku210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 10:15 Sightseeing ①: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden
    • 11:05 Sightseeing ②: Nijo Castle
    • 12:05 Sightseeing ③: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Lunch/Break (Kura Sushi, Kinkaku-ji Branch)
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ④: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ⑤: Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ⑥: Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 15:30 Transfer to hotel
    • 16:00 Arrival at hotel/Dismissal

    Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Hotel: A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were visitors from North America who were sightseeing in Japan. This was a case that had me worried, thinking "how is this going to turn out," because I was unable to reach the guests until the day before the tour. With the cooperation of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I also tried connecting via a messaging app, but received no reply at all. Since the meeting-point hotel was clearly stated, two days before the tour I prepared a tentative itinerary starting from the hotel (Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Arashiyama/Sagano) and headed into the day with that plan. Fortunately, on the night before, just as I had gone to bed to prepare for the next day's guiding, a message from the guests finally came through the messaging app. According to the message, there was an apology for having overlooked my earlier contact, and the places they wished to visit were almost identical to the tentative itinerary I had prepared, with only the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds added, so there was no need to redo the itinerary in the middle of the night. On the day, although the sunlight was a little strong, the temperature was not too high, and it turned out to be pleasant weather, especially in the shade. I met the guests at the hotel almost on time, confirmed the itinerary, met up with the private car and driver, and started the tour. As we introduced ourselves in the car during the drive, I learned that the guests had a strong interest in and enthusiasm for Japanese history and culture, and that while one of the guests had visited Japan before, this was the first visit for the group. The tour was broadly organized by theme: ① the emperor and warrior-class rule (Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds and Nijo Castle), ② Japanese religion and gardens (Kinkaku-ji and Tenryu-ji), and ③ the scenery of Kyoto (Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge), with historical, cultural, and religious explanations given on the spot at each location. The guests seemed very satisfied with this combination. Right up until the tour began there was the tension of "I can't get in touch!," but once I actually met them, they were a close-knit group who love Japan, and I was able to guide them enjoyably.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Kiyomizu Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Kiyomizu Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Depart from Hilton Kyoto
    • 09:15 Ryoanji Temple
    • 10:25 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 12:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:10 Kiyomizu Temple
    • 14:30 Tour ends at the main hall stage

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizudera The guests were a family visiting from North America. Following their wishes, we visited four sites: Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizudera Temple. The movement between locations went smoothly, and we were able to take our time exploring each place. Originally, the tour was scheduled to end upon arriving at Kiyomizudera, but since we had extra time, I was able to guide them inside the main hall as well. At every location, the guests explored eagerly and tried experiences such as drawing omikuji fortunes and the "Omokaru-ishi" stone. Along the approach to Fushimi Inari, they purchased tornado potatoes, 10-yen cheese bread, and oranges, and enjoyed eating them cheerfully. They mentioned that they would find and have lunch on their own after finishing the sightseeing. Since visiting four sites on a 6-hour tour is a bit ambitious, I had considered leaving out Ryoanji, but once we actually visited, it turned out to be a very precious place where the guests could feel the true charm of Kyoto in a calm atmosphere with fewer crowds. I truly felt it was the right decision to keep it in the itinerary as the guests had wished.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Sanjo / Kyoto City Bus～Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi～Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Section 6BusGojo Keihan / Keihan Bus～Gojozaka / Keihan Bus230JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima Itsukushima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima Itsukushima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Kiro Hiroshima meet
    • 9:10 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:30 Peace Memorial Park
    • 12:15 Lunch
    • 12:50 trum+ferry(Kamiyacyou-Miyajima)
    • 14:10 Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:55 ferry+JR+taxi(Hotel)
    • 16:45 Tour finished at the Hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Peace Park and Miyajima Early in the morning I received a message that one of the guests had a sore throat and wanted to buy a mask and pain reliever first thing. A drugstore near the Peace Park was open as of 8:30, so I first guided the group there to make the purchases. After that, I adjusted the itinerary to visit the Peace Park first and then Miyajima. The group was full of curiosity and asked many questions. I kept an eye on how everyone was feeling throughout the tour, but there were no problems, the weather was pleasant, and the guests seemed very satisfied with the Hiroshima tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamiyacho-nishi～Hiroden Miyajimaguchi240JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Woody

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Request Booking

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizudera & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizudera & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 09:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • 11:00 Fushimiinari (0)
    • 12:30 Kinkakuji (500)
    • Lunch（CoCo Ichibanya）
    • 14:30 Bamboo Grove
    • Arashiyama area by walking　
    • 15:00 HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • End of the tour

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. After Kiyomizu-dera, I took them to a Kiyomizu-yaki pottery shop, where they purchased a pair of tea cups and a Japanese-style painting on a shikishi board for about 100,000 yen. At Fushimi Inari, they bought two torii-shaped ema plaques, dedicating one as a prayer for improvement in the performing arts and planning to use the other as a Christmas tree ornament. At Kinkaku-ji, they tried a sample and enjoyed the peanut snacks from Mamemasa so much that they bought some. For lunch, I had suggested my usual options of a family restaurant or conveyor-belt sushi, but they said they wanted to eat Japanese curry, so we went to the CoCo Ichibanya in Hanazono on the way to the bamboo grove. CoCo Ichibanya is my favorite curry chain, so I knew all about the rice portions and spice levels, which made everything smooth. The guests told me they sometimes buy Japanese Golden Curry and make it at home as well. They seemed to really enjoy the tonkatsu curry. The final stop was scheduled to be Teramachi shopping street, but since they had already done a lot of shopping, I took them back to their hotel and ended the tour there.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate
    • 9:45 Depart Hiroshima Station
    • 10:11 Arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:35 Arrive at Miyajima by JR Ferry
    • Omotesando Shopping Street
    • Great Torii Gate
    • Senjokaku, etc.
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:20 Miyajima Port
    • World Heritage Sea Route
    • 15:05 Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:00 To Hiroshima Station by taxi
    • 17:30 Arrive at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like During Typhoon Season? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's tour required careful timing due to rough weather from an approaching typhoon, with the constant worry that the ferry and the World Heritage route boat might be temporarily suspended. On the other hand, thanks to the high tide, it was possible to enjoy Itsukushima Shrine in its most iconic form, with the great torii gate and the shrine appearing to float on the sea. However, at the peak of the high tide, the water level rose so much that seawater surged into Itsukushima Shrine, forcing a temporary closure, so we made a somewhat irregular visit to the shrine. The guests were a very cheerful and close-knit group from Asia. It was a delightful experience to spend the whole day with them.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1JGA Pre-Approved FeeMiyajima Port～Motoyasu Bridge1,200JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    Tour Report by Hiroshi

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

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    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①9:50 Fushimi Inari
    • ②11:40 Kiyomizu-dera
    • ③14:45 Gion
    • ④15:15 Lunch at Daiki Suisan
    • ⑤16:10 Nishiki Market
    • ⑥16:30 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided guests from North America. The guests were longtime friends and got along very well, and one of them had visited Kyoto several times before. We were blessed with wonderful weather today, and the guests were moved by the beautiful contrast between the red of the shrine and the cloudless sky. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they were very interested in the water. Luckily, the line was not very long today, which was fortunate. I took videos and photos for everyone. The guests purchased kanzashi hair ornaments and put them on right away. They also purchased matcha and other items. Looking at the streets of Gion, they said, "This is exactly what we wanted to see." I took many photos. Since they had not had a proper meal since beginning their journey from Tokyo, they said they wanted to enjoy something delicious, so I recommended sushi. Everyone seemed to love the medium-fatty tuna and ordered it many times. At Nishiki Market, they all purchased chopsticks. They had their names engraved on the chopsticks and seemed very pleased with them. We finished once at 16:30, and from there the tour was extended by about two hours.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by momo

    Hello. My name is Momoyo Kanagawa. I’ve been a certified interpreter guide for 7 years. I have experience guiding not only in the Kansai
    area such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, but also in the Tokyo area. I have a passion for sharing the rich history and culture of Japan.
    Japan is a beautiful country with diverse culture and nature. If you come to Japan, you might be able to experience things like:
    Sight: You can see the scenery of cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind, or the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji.
    Hearing: You can hear the sound of traditional instruments such as Japanese drums and shakuhachi, or the lively atmosphere of festivals and fireworks.
    Touch: You can relax in a hot spring, or try on Japanese costumes such as kimono and yukata.
    Taste: You can taste famous Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, ramen, or Japanese drinks such as matcha and sake.
    Smell: You can smell the fragrance of incense and flowers, or feel the unique air of temples and shrines.
    These are just some of the charms of Japan. There are still many things to discover in Japan. Please use your five senses and feel the wonder of Japan.
    I’m excited to be able to explore Japan together with you and make your visit memorable! I will escort you with the best hospitality.

    안녕하세요. 간사이에서 가이드를 하고 있는 카나가와 모모요라고 합니다.
    오사카·교토·나라·고베를 중심으로 역사와 문화, 미의식, 그리고 일본인의 정신성까지를 차분하고 깊이 있게 전하며 오래 기억에 남는 간사이 여행을 안내합니다.

    단순한 명소 방문이 아닌, 봄의 벚꽃, 여름의 신록, 가을의 단풍, 겨울의 고요함 등 일본 사계절 자연의 아름다움을 온전히 느낄 수 있는 여행을 중요하게 생각합니다.
    또한 일식을 비롯한 일본의 식문화와 지역의 제철 식재료, 신뢰할 수 있는 고급 레스토랑과 명점 소개를 통해 미각으로도 일본을 깊이 경험하는 시간을 제안합니다.

    커플 여행부터 가족 여행까지, 어르신부터 어린이까지 다양한 연령대와 상황에 맞춘 무리 없는 일정 구성이 가능합니다. 한일 양국의 문화적 공통점과 차이를 세심하게 고려하여, 편안하고 신뢰할 수 있는 가이딩을 제공하고자 합니다.

    최고의 호스피탈리티로 고객님의 여행 추억 속에 오래 남을 소중한 한 페이지를 장식하는 동반자가 되겠습니다.

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    Sep 13, 2025
    O7109SGricardoc
    Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We had an excellent experience…

    May 23, 2025
    R
    Road294776
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Mt Koya Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Really smooth experience. Our…

    Sep 10, 2024
    famililuxe
    Amazing Osaka Introduction with Momo
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We love Momo Kanagawa! This…

    Sep 6, 2024
    Simon C
    Best tour guide in Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Momo is the best. She is…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: various monuments

    Hiroshima in One Day: various monuments

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 09:50 Take the streetcar to Peace Memorial Park
    • 10:00-11:00 Visit various monuments.
    • 11:30-12:30 Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 13:00 Board the high-speed boat on the World Heritage route
    • 13:45-14:30 Dining and shopping on Omotesando
    • 14:30-15:30 Lunch, okonomiyaki
    • 15:30-17:00 Tour Itsukushima Shrine and Daiganji Temple
    • 17:15-18:00 Escort to downtown Hiroshima via the World Heritage route high-speed boat, end of service

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This morning, Itsukushima Shrine was closed to visitors due to high tides. Because of this, we had to change our plans on short notice, but the guests kindly accepted the change with good spirits. The group visited the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum, which they found very interesting. The group walked energetically throughout, and everyone kept up well during the tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMotoyasu River Pier～Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima～Motoyasu River Pier1,200JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

    Request Booking

    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
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    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Roldan_T
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Harry was an great and informative guide.
    Harry was…

    May 10, 2025
    jonathan_R
    Really great tour. …
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Really great tour. Hisashi or…